In a move that has rocked both the media and tech worlds, ABC has reportedly lost nearly 1 million subscribers overnight following a tweet from Elon Musk, the tech mogul and Twitter/X CEO, who called for a boycott of the network. The dramatic fallout stems from Musk’s dissatisfaction with ABC’s coverage of a presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Musk, a vocal critic of what he perceives as media bias, has successfully mobilized his vast online following, resulting in one of the largest subscriber losses in recent media history.™
The controversy began during the highly anticipated debate between Trump and Harris, which was moderated by ABC anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis. While debates between presidential candidates are always contentious, Musk took particular issue with how the moderators fact-checked Trump’s statements, claiming that Harris was not held to the same standard.
“ABC is worse than your Wi-Fi during a Zoom call,” Musk tweeted late at night, expressing his frustration over what he saw as biased moderation. He then called for a full boycott of the network: “Boycott them. Let’s show them who really runs the show.”
Within hours, #BoycottABC was trending on social media, with Musk’s followers quick to rally around the cause. Known for his influence in various sectors—ranging from space exploration to cryptocurrency—Musk’s reach in the media landscape has now become undeniable.
By morning, the consequences were clear. Nearly 1 million ABC subscribers, many of whom were long-time viewers, had canceled their services. Streaming platforms associated with the network, including Hulu, began to feel the ripple effects as well. Musk’s call for action had prompted his followers to purge apps and services they deemed “woke” or politically biased.
For many, the fallout wasn’t just about the debate—it was about the perception that mainstream media is no longer impartial. As one former subscriber stated after canceling, “It’s about the media thinking they can dictate our opinions. If Elon Musk says ABC has gone too far, I believe him.”
In an attempt to quell the storm, ABC quickly issued a statement. “ABC remains committed to providing fair and balanced coverage for all political events.™ We strive for journalistic integrity and welcome constructive feedback from all of our viewers,” the network said.
However, by the time ABC’s response was issued, the damage had already been done. Musk’s followers had mobilized in force, and it was clear that the mass boycott was not a temporary fluke. The impact was swift, and the subscriber base, once solid and steady, was now crumbling.
Musk, ever the unpredictable entrepreneur, had ignited a firestorm with a single tweet. Known for shaking up industries—first with electric cars, then space travel, and now social media—many wonder if this latest move is part of a broader plan. Could Musk be setting his sights on the media industry next?
Some of his supporters have already begun clamoring for Musk to start his own television network. “Forget ABC. We need X TV—where free speech actually means something!” one supporter tweeted, showing the growing enthusiasm for a possible Musk-run media venture.
Could a Musk-led network be in the works? It may sound like a far-fetched idea, but Musk has built a career out of defying expectations. After all, his SpaceX rockets have reached Mars, his Tesla vehicles are driving the future of transportation, and now, his influence on media could be the next frontier.
Not everyone is on Musk’s side, of course. Critics accuse him of undermining free speech by calling for a boycott of ABC, which has tried to maintain objectivity in its reporting. “Elon Musk isn’t saving free speech—he’s trying to silence a network that dared to fact-check his preferred candidate,” one media critic tweeted. “This is a dangerous precedent.”
But for every critic, there are many more Musk supporters who view this as a much-needed check on the power of media outlets. “It’s not about silencing ABC,” one Twitter user argued. “It’s about holding them accountable. If they can’t deliver fair news, they don’t deserve our money.”
As ABC grapples with the fallout of the boycott, many are left wondering what the future holds. Will the network change its approach to political coverage to appease Musk and his legions of fans? Or will they double down on their editorial stance and continue providing the same coverage?
Insiders at ABC are reportedly in damage-control mode, holding emergency meetings to assess the situation. While some suggest the network may issue an apology or a public concession, there are others who feel that any change could set a dangerous precedent in which media outlets are forced to cater to the whims of powerful figures like Musk.
For Musk, this may be only the beginning. With nearly 1 million subscribers lost in one night, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will Musk continue to exert influence over mainstream media, or is this simply a temporary disruption?
As for the media landscape, one thing is clear: Musk’s influence has reached new heights. Whether he will use this moment to build an empire in television or to continue reshaping public discourse remains to be seen.™
For now, ABC is reeling from one of its biggest challenges in years,™ and Musk is riding high on the power of his loyal following.
Whether this boycott marks a temporary disruption or a lasting shift in the way people consume media remains to be seen. But as of now, Elon Musk has once again proven his influence—this time, shaking up the traditional media landscape in a way few could have predicted.
